Albany NY Week 69 – Dive into the Scriptures

“The preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God.” -Alma 31:5

“True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior. . . . That is why we stress so forcefully the study of the doctrines of the gospel.’ – Boyd K. Packer

“Teach them correct principles and they shall govern themselves” -Joseph Smith

There is great power in TRUTH. The worlds idea of ‘truth’ is always changing. It is shallow, shifting and of mans philosophies. Gods truth is eternal and constant! It includes all the truths of eternity! We cannot comprehend with 10% of our tiny brains all of Gods wisdom and power and love! But we can learn true, eternal doctrines through the scriptures and moderns revelation!!! As we fully immerse ourselves in the scriptures, we can find hidden treasures of knowledge that will richly bless our lives and the lives of those around us! “There are blessings that come from immersing ourselves in the scriptures. The distance narrows between ourselves and our Father in Heaven. Our spirituality shines brighter. We love more intensely those whom we should love. It is much easier to follow counsel. The lessons of life are learned more readily and surely.”- Kimball I testify of that! The scriptures purely testify of our Savior. Jesus is THE LIGHT! As we open the scriptures and dive into them, that light grows and illuminates our lives! It is a beautiful thing to experience! I have felt it on a daily basis.

This week we have been working with several individuals and families on diving into the Book of Mormon and better understanding it. “Start ’em early, keep it consistent!” It makes our job SO EASY! The Book of Momron clearly and powerfully teaches all the missionary lessons and brings such a spirit of love and unity into a home. We are still working with Laurie and Aaliyah as well as Tom and his family! Tom has been getting into the scriptures a lot on his own and when we come over for a lesson, he teaches more than we do with all the great insight he’s recieved from 1 Nephi! It is so joyful to see the personal revelation he is recieving for himself and his family! When we first met him he was agnostic. He now believes God is his Father in heaven and thaty Christ is his Savior and Redeemer. When we asked him how he gained that knowledge, he replied “simply from prayerfully studying this book.” SO COOL! I have seen a complete change in that mans life and in the life of his family! I can already see little Isabella and Joseph with missionary tags on! I firmly believe we can meet lifes most miserable, overwhelming challenges and roadblocks with a hopeful assurance and a smile on our face as we are doing the simple little things. As we take a dive into the word of the Lord each day, we are washed clean of our headaches and heartaches.

President Ezra Taft Benson promised:

“When individual members and families immerse themselves in the scriptures regularly and consistently, these other areas of activity will automatically come. Testimonies will increase. Commitment will be strengthened. Families will be fortified. Personal revelation will flow”….

“I witnessed the blessing of immersing myself in the scriptures. I testify that the light from the Book of Mormon helped chase darkness from me. I acknowledge that scripture study alone cannot resolve all despair and depression, but I do know that when I was finally compelled “to act” and “not to be acted upon” (see 2 Nephi 2:26), it was the keystone—the Book of Mormon—that led me back to the Cornerstone, Jesus Christ (see Ephesians 2:20).” – Todd B. Parker

I echo that testimony! These wonderful records or ancient revelation were written, passed down and preserved for our day. for you and for me! Literally! The last prophet in the Book of Mormon was shown, as were many others, a vision of our day! He writes directly to us! He says: “Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing” HE IS WRITING IT FOR US PEOPLE!!!!! IT IS SO INCREDIBLE AND SO JOYFUL! It is a testament to me that God knows us and loves us. He has a perfect plan for you and me and Christ is the center of that plan! It has brought me comprehensible joy to serve my brothers and sisters and bring them these sacred truths!

A couple sweet events from the week then I will conclude:

SANDY! Sandy got baptized this Sunday! I had the opportunity to speak at her baptism on the Holy Ghost! It brought me so much joy to see her make this covenant with God! She was just glowing and is so excited for this new journey!

Cassandra! We have been meeting with several returning members this week! We were able to help her prepare for the TEMPLE! We get to go with her next month and bring her ancestors into the covenant! She is the only member in her family so it is pretty exciting!!!

Tim! Tim is this sweet guy who was baptized last year and then asked the missionaries and members not to meet with him anymore. He is what we call a DNC (do not contact) so naturally… we contacted him!!! He is so down to earth and was so touched we didn’t forget about him! We have been getting him back into the scriptures and he really believe it is true and is preparing to return to church! A little love goes a long way.

Heath and Erik! We were walking along the street and passed these two young men on their porch! We asked them, “Have you ever seen this book before!?” And they were like “Yeah. We got about 10 in the house!” Turns out their grandpa was LDS! They had moved into his house when he passed away! We have been meeting with them and they are way sweet! We said, “Bet your grandma sent us to you!” They agreed! We also discovered their younger brother died at age 17. I’m sure he also guided us to them!!!

In closing, I invite everyone to dive into the scriptures! Just completely immerse yourselves! I know as you do, you will witness all the blessing mentioned above! Greater love for others, perspective, guidance, understanding, unity and strength! I love my Savior. I know He loves you! In the name of Jesus Christ, amen!